Libraries without Books

As society changes, libraries are changing with it. They are going more and more to electronic media as resources. It may be that the buildings will get smaller and the virtual resources larger as libraries evolve. The buildings may just become spaces where people go to utilize the resources. The library may also be extended over the internet to become a resource for people across the planet. (I can't imagine the legal hassles that will arise as people check out books virtually, but that's another blog.)

 
So what will future libraries look like? I envision smaller buildings, perhaps on the lines of a series of meeting places or coffee shop sized rooms where people can meet and work. It might even look something like the local Starbucks with people in the same area, but on their laptops or the machines which are supplied by the library.

 
I wonder what eBooks will do to the shape of libraries? Maybe you will be able to check out books and reference materials to your laptop, netbook or tablet or use them only in the confines of the libraries Wi-Fi system. I can imagine that libraries will also be a place where people will meet to research and collaborate on projects. They might provide the facilities to facilitate collaboration like projectors, smart boards, networked printers and other devices yet to be thought of to bring projects into existence.